Seven new generation geostationary satellites will be launched into positions over the equator within the next five years. These launches will drastically change the Space Component of the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) and National Meteorological and Hydrological Services are challenged to prepare for the advanced capabilities the satellites will offer. The imager capabilities, sampling rate, spectral resolution and spectral channels, of this new generation of satellites will drastically increase data rates – by an order of up to 100. All National Meteorological Hydrological...

The UN Climate Summit brought together 100 Heads of State and Government, along with chief executives from the financial world, business and civil societies to give new momentum to the search for answers to the challenges posed by climate change.

The “Climate Services Adaptation Programme in Africa” is the first multi-agency initiative to be implemented under the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS). This flagship programme will help develop user-driven climate services for food security, health and disaster risk reduction in Malawi and Tanzania. The Programme, funded by the Government of Norway, aims to increase the resilience of those most vulnerable to the impacts of weather and climate-related hazards, such as droughts and flooding, and associated health risks, including malnutrition, cholera and malaria.

Air quality, weather and climate, and human health are closely linked. These interdependencies are becoming ever more evident and health professionals ever more reliant on meteorological and climate services to help anticipate and manage the health risks of poor air quality.

At international, national and local levels, there is a drive to improve access for women to technology, information, science education and technical training and to strengthen the position of women scientists and technologists. Ensuring that women have equal access to science education and technology is an essential catalyst to ensure that the developers and users of weather, water and climate services provided by WMO and its Members serve the global community – men, women, boys, girls.

The science community is concerned: many established researchers plan to retire in the coming decade and there is a dearth of early and mid-career researchers ready to take their place and contribute in a meaningful way. Unless young scientists are encouraged, trained and mentored in various scientific fields knowledge gaps will occur.

Cities – particularly megacities – are becoming focal points for climate change impacts. Rapid urbanization, accelerating demand for housing, resource supplies and social and health services, place pressure on already stretched physical, social and regulatory infrastructure, heightening risks and vulnerability. In South America, internal migration flows – as well as immigration – are mostly to cities.